CocktailRecipes

Hunter Cocktail Recipe + Ingredients & Tips

how to make a Hunter Cocktail recipe

📋 Nutrition Facts
Main Alcohol Whisky
Alcohol 40%
Calories 200 calories
Fat 0g
Protein 0g
Carbohydrates 7g
Prep time 2 minutes

If you’re looking to make the perfect Hunter Cocktail or enjoy a refreshing cocktail experience, you’re in for a treat! The Hunter Cocktail is a delightful mix of bourbon and cherry brandy, offering a balanced, slightly sweet flavor. We’ll explore its history, flavor profile, and even provide a recipe to make your own. Dive in and enjoy! ⬇️

History

The Hunter Cocktail originated in the early 20th century and became popular during the Prohibition era in the United States. It was named after hunters who enjoyed a warming drink after a long day in the woods. Today, it’s a beloved classic, often enjoyed during colder months for its rich, comforting flavors.

  • The Hunter Cocktail was named after hunters who enjoyed a warming drink after a day of hunting.
  • It became popular during the Prohibition era in the United States.
  • The cocktail is often associated with colder months due to its rich and warming flavors.

The taste of a Hunter Cocktail?

The Hunter Cocktail has a rich, slightly sweet flavor with a hint of cherry and a warm bourbon undertone. It’s a bit like sipping on a cozy, spiced dessert in a glass.

I personally love drinking Hunter Cocktails because they’re incredibly comforting, especially on a chilly evening.

Interesting facts about Hunter Cocktail

  • The cocktail is often enjoyed as an after-dinner drink.
  • It’s traditionally made with cherry brandy, which adds a unique sweetness.
  • Hunter Cocktails are sometimes garnished with a maraschino cherry for added flair.

Ingredients 📃

  • Bourbon: 2 oz (60ml)
  • Cherry brandy: 1 oz (30ml)
  • Lemon juice: 0.5 oz (15ml)
  • Ice cubes
  • Maraschino cherry for garnish

A Hunter Cocktail is typically served in a **rocks glass** to enhance its rich flavors and allow the drinker to appreciate its aroma. An alternative could be a **highball glass** for a more casual presentation.

Recipe. How to make Hunter Cocktail 🍹

  1. Fill a shaker with ice cubes.
  2. Add 2 oz (60ml) bourbon, 1 oz (30ml) cherry brandy, and 0.5 oz (15ml) lemon juice to the shaker.
  3. Shake well until the mixture is chilled.
  4. Strain into a chilled rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
  5. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and serve immediately.

While the Hunter Cocktail is a delightful drink, it’s important to remember that it contains alcohol, which has calories and sugar. To make a healthier version, you could use a natural sweetener instead of cherry brandy or opt for a lighter bourbon.

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Food Pairings

Certain foods complement the flavors of a Hunter Cocktail, enhancing the overall experience.

Smoked Meats

The smoky, rich flavors of smoked meats pair wonderfully with the bourbon and cherry notes in the Hunter Cocktail.

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate’s bittersweet profile enhances the cocktail’s sweet and warming elements, creating a delightful contrast.

Cheese Platter

A variety of cheeses, especially aged or blue cheeses, complement the cocktail’s robust flavor, making for a sophisticated pairing.

I really enjoy the taste of Hunter Cocktails—the rich cherry and warm bourbon make it a perfect drink for relaxing after a long day.

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Bartender Advice

  • Chill your glass before serving to keep the cocktail cold longer.
  • Use fresh lemon juice for a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
  • Experiment with different bourbons to find your preferred taste profile.

Now that you’ve mastered the classic Hunter Cocktail, in the sections below we’ll shake things up by showing the customizable elements you can alter and introducing a range of exciting variations to try in your next concoction.

What you could change in Hunter Cocktail

  • Bourbon: Can be replaced with rye whiskey for a spicier kick.
  • Cherry brandy: Substitute with cherry liqueur for a sweeter touch.
  • Lemon juice: Use lime juice for a more tart flavor.

Hunter Cocktail Variations

Hunter’s Sour

  • Ingredients: Bourbon, cherry brandy, lemon juice, simple syrup.
  • Recipe: Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a rocks glass.

Hunter’s Twist

  • Ingredients: Bourbon, cherry brandy, lime juice, ginger beer.
  • Recipe: Mix bourbon, cherry brandy, and lime juice, then top with ginger beer.

Hunter’s Punch

  • Ingredients: Bourbon, cherry brandy, pineapple juice, grenadine.
  • Recipe: Combine all ingredients in a shaker, shake well, and serve over ice.

For a non-alcoholic version, mix cherry juice, lemon juice, and a splash of soda water. Garnish with a maraschino cherry for a refreshing Virgin Hunter Cocktail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of whiskey?

Absolutely! Using rye whiskey can add a spicier profile to the drink.

What’s the best way to chill the glass?

Place the glass in the freezer for about 15 minutes before serving.

Can I make a large batch of Hunter Cocktails?

Yes, simply multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you need and mix in a pitcher.

Is there a way to make it less sweet?

You can reduce the amount of cherry brandy or use a less sweet bourbon.

What garnishes work well with this cocktail?

A maraschino cherry is traditional, but a twist of lemon peel can also be lovely.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.

Chris Glazer
Chris Glazer
Chris Glazer is a seasoned mixology and cocktail recipe writer at CocktailPlans.com. Chris has a deep passion for cocktail creation and mixology, and has been exploring and writing about the world of drinks for over 5 years.
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